Newly-elected Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, has vowed to do everything within his power to keep Lionel Messi at the club.
Laporta, who was previously Barca president between 2003 and 2010, was voted in by club members last weekend.
He had to secure a €125m bank guarantee before being inaugurated.
Now in office, one of his first tasks is convincing Messi, who turns 34 in June, to extend his contract, which expires the same month, beyond the end of the season.
“I take the opportunity to say again that I will try to convince Leo (Messi) to stay with us. That is a must-do task, I will do all I can. He knows it.
“Whatever he does will be OK but we will try to make him stay because he is the best player in the history of football.
“And my apologies Leo, for saying this right here and right now, but you know of my love for you, Barca loves you a lot and if this stadium would be full when you play the next game I am sure you wouldn’t be able to leave,” Laporta said.
